The Best Gas Stoves & Fireplaces

Types of Gas Stoves and Fireplaces

• Gas stoves come in top vent, wall vent and vent-free models. While vent-free models are appealing because they can be installed in almost any location in a house without any remodeling, vented models are recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency because they provide better air quality and safety. Wall-vented models offer the easiest installation because they simply require a hole cut into the wall instead of venting through the roof like top vent models.

Appearance

• Appearance may play a factor in determining the best gas stove or fireplace for your home. You may choose a gas stove or fireplace surrounded by a traditional mantle made from marble or brick to make it look like a wood-burning fireplace or purchase a freestanding gas stove for a more colonial or European look.

Heat

• The amount of heat desired also factors into your decision for choosing the best gas stove or fireplace. Some models are designed to be decorative while others may produce enough heat to replace a central furnace. If you have a larger room to heat, a larger gas stove or fireplace will work best. Some gas stoves and fireplaces also offer adjustable thermostats to allow you to control the amount of heat as the weather changes.

Safety

• Keep in mind the safety of a gas stove or fireplace when making the right choice for your home. If you have a smaller room, choose a smaller stove or fireplace so that it will fit in the room without getting close to curtains or other flammable materials. Vent-free gas stoves and fireplaces have an open flame that may be dangerous for children. Look for models that contain fail-safe shut off valves in the event that other controls stop working.

Brands

• Brands such as Heat-N-Glo, Napoleon and Lennox are rated highly by customers of large home improvement stores and recommended by multiple professional gas stove and fireplace installers. If you choose to have your gas stove or fireplace installed by a professional, you may be limited by the brands that the company carries. A local installer may be able to assess your heating needs and recommend a brand that works best in your home.